Several people have posted on facebook that the police are really cracking down on not stopping at the stop signs. One had a police car behind them, stopped and still got a ticket. Price range is $ 65.00 to $ 165.00 USD CASH.
I saw that on Facebook also. Can't imagine why they think this is good business. It's one thing if you actually violate a traffic regulation, it's a whole other thing when they just outright lie about it.
if they are going to start targeting us for running stop signs (that are barely there), then spend the $$ on some new, more visible (reflective, larger, away from trees and bushes).
Just a thought.
I thought I have noticed that as well recently and am glad if it is happening to everyone. Years back when I was just visiting I ran a stop sign, went to court and paid some $40 as I recall. I stop now (assuming I see the bloddy thing in time) and piss off the taxi driver behind. Hopefully the effort will eventually include reflective signs and the removal of obstructions blocking the view.
Bicycle riders are another hazard at night. I came within a hairs width of hitting a guy who sped off a sidestreet across Josefa without a though to traffic. It was a brown pants occasion for me.
This stop sign thing is just another example of what happens when you have a law on the books that is widely ignored, then start to enforce it. US immigration laws are a good example as are the boat regs. and rental taxes here in Mexico. Pisses people off when they've been doing something for years then get nailed, even if they knew it was illegal all the time.
I was told the prices for offences were published on the wall in the police station. Maybe on Roberto's next trip to bail out Jack, Roberto can confirm this....
They are only pulling over people opposed to the homeport! Lol, pulled over a couple regulars that hang at the boobar, One person went to see the judge called for back up, the other crumpled his up in front of the cop and tossed it the back of his truck (RUMOR). Cop said pay half if you pay within 24 hours, I been there, cheaper to buy a new license online...
Just read on Periodico de Frente's Facebook page they're doing this to locals also. Between 1,000 and 1,200 pesos for not stopping at unseen stop signs.
I just got pulled over for running a stop sign five minutes ago. This happened as I was leaving Bryans, going towards Las Conchas. I did run the stop sign. The cop gave me the warning and even shook my hand saying in really good English: "not all of us are bad apples". I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
I guess things average out. I was pulled over a month ago in Sonoita for "speeding". It was a complete bs. They took me to station and I paid 60 US Dollars. Kind of weird to pay tickets in Mexico with US Dollars.
for those that do go to the station or court house. request to see the 'posted' price for the ticket you are being charged with. The cost of most violations are posted in the entrance. I thought a speeding ticket was somewhat equal to $30. they should tell you to go to a bank and receive pesos to pay the fine.
The prices for about any infraction you can think of including jaywalking are posted in the entrance of the police station on the wall. It is a big sign, can't miss it. There are 2 rows of fines because there is a discount if you pay the fine within 24 hours. It would be good I think if there was a picture of it posted here on the forum. I too have been pulled over a number of times for phantom stop signs, now I pretty much stop at any intersection for the hell of it.
On a side note I had a computer system stolen a few months ago and it had a program called Prey installed http://preyproject.com/
I waited until the computer showed up online and grabbed the IP address each time it was online and then logged in remotely while the computer was online and low and behold the person using the computer was logged into their facebook account. Took some screen shots that showed their friend list and now had their name. Found out where they lived and made a visit. That person led me straight to the person they bought the computer from (actually their mother was more than eager to show me and hopped in the truck) and we went to pay that guy a visit.
On the way we passed a cop and asked him to follow us. The story ends with me getting the computer system back. Cops were high fiving each other at the station and were more than helpful. The series of events went far better than I had imagined and the cops at the station were great.